Looking for a rustic and comfortable horse camping experience near Yankton? Finding a place to stay in South Dakota while traveling with your horse is easy. You're sure to find the perfect site for your South Dakota horse camping excursion.
$26 - $34 / night
Cottonwood Recreation Area is located just downstream of Gavins Point Dam and Lewis & Clark Lake along the western shore of Lake Yankton. The numerous outdoor recreational opportunities attract more than 2 million visitors annually to the Lewis & Clark Lake area, making it one of the most popular recreation destinations in the Upper Great Plains.__Lewis & Clark Lake is 31,400-acres in size with more than 90 miles of shoreline is impounded by Gavins Point Dam, which was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1944, commonly called the Pick-Sloan Plan. For more information about Lewis and Clark Lake, please visit the Gavins Point Project website .
Cottonwood Recreation Area is conveniently located between Lewis and Clark Lake and Lake Yankton. Lewis and Clark Lake is known for great boating, sailing, swimming and other water-based recreation activities. Lake Yankton is popular with families as a popular fishing spot along with the excellent kayaking, canoeing and paddling opportunities. Numerous paved, multi-use trails connect the area with the additional numerous recreation areas located along Lewis and Clark Lake, Lake Yankton and the Missouri River.__Lewis and Clark Lake attracts more than 2 million visitors each year to its shores. Recreation opportunities around the lake include camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, boating, sailing, swimming, bird-watching, and photography. For the biking and hiking enthusiasts, three trails are available in the area. They include a paved trail that runs from Yankton to the Gavins Point area, a multi-use trail in the Gavins Point area and the Calumet Bluff hiking trail located near the visitor center. Wintertime activities include ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and sledding. Developed public parks and recreation areas surround the lake above and below Gavins Point Dam. Camping facilities provided by the Corps and the States of South Dakota and Nebraska include marinas, boat ramps, trails, campsites with electricity, modern restrooms, playground equipment and trailer dump stations.
Cottonwood Recreation Area is located in the in the lush golden chalkstone-lined Missouri River Valley. Many visitors to the lake area prefer to stay at Cottonwood because of the calmer, quieter waters of Lake Yankton, a much smaller lake of approximately 250-acres in size - versus the much larger Lewis and Clark Lake upstream of the dam.__Lake Yankton provides excellent habitat for a variety of waterfowl and other bird species. The area abounds with wildlife including Whitetail Deer, turkeys, and other game species. Bald Eagles and other birds of prey are spotted by visitors regularly due to the great fishing opportunities available year-round.
For facility specific information, please call (402) 667-2546.
The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center: Contains exhibits on the Missouri River and area history including the Lewis and Clark Expedition with stunning views of Lewis and Clark Lake along with the Missouri River. Powerhouse Tours are available on weekends. Please contact the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center at (402) 667-2546 for more information. The Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium Visit nearby Yankton, South Dakota - the historic capitol of the Dakota Territory. Located both upstream and downstream of Lewis and Clark Lake, visit the Missouri National Recreational River .
Reservation changes and cancellations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. For more information on rules and policies regarding reservation cancellations and changes, please visit: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies.
$20 / night
$22 - $26 / night
Newton Hills State Park's unique dark forest, amidst a vast open prairie, has prompted many legends, including buried gold, robbers' hideouts and horse thieves. But visitors today recognize it as a great place to camp, swim, hike and fish. The park also plays host to folk music concerts and the popular FestiFall in October. The Newton Hills Lodge, built in 1915, served as the historic caretaker's home in Canton, SD, and played an important role in serving the healthcare needs of a variety of patients before being opened to guests. It can sleep up to 12 people and has four bedrooms and two baths. Like the lodge, camping cabins are open year-round. Each cabin accommodates 4 people with a set of bunk beds and a double bed. Both RV and tent sites are available, as well as horse camp sites. A boat ramp, beach and fishing dock let you enjoy water activities at Newton Hills State Park.
Niobrara State Park offers 120 acres of free range riding as opposed to designated trails. The equestrian campground provides Basic Equestrian camping with one corral that will hold several horses. The corral works well for horses that are accustomed to each other. Campground is first-come, first served and includes non-modern restroom, picnic table and grill. Water will need to be bucketed to this area.
Traveler
Updated shower and toilets. Bring your quarters for shower. Views of the Missouri River were amazing. Enjoyed a hike with the interpreter. Worth a stop for sure.
Guide
I had an amazing time at Newton Hills Campground in South Dakota with my family and young children. The spacious and clean facilities provided the perfect backdrop for our outdoor getaway, offering a blend of adventure and relaxation away from the city. The kids had a blast exploring the natural surroundings and participating in the family-friendly activities. This campground is a true gem for those seeking a wholesome outdoor experience.
Guide
We love coming to Lewis and Clark Recreation Area because it's clean and perfect for families! Clean beach, spacious spots for our 35' camper, and nice bathrooms and parks! Hiking options, clean water for swimming, beautiful dark skies with lots of stars. What's better?
GuideI spent a quick night at Newton Hills and found the park to be lovely, but it was very busy with lots of families out and about which made for a bit of a loud evening. If you have a family it’ll be a great spot—if you’re looking for quiet and calm, maybe something else. Spots are fairly spacious, but not a lot of privacy.
Regardless, the location is a hidden gem among a lot of farmland kind of in the middle of nowhere. It’s actually really stunning. When you leave, be sure to take the little one lane road out back (from 1E toward the tower)—it’s a magical little drive through the hills the park is named after.
No comments on the bathrooms/facilities as I didn’t use them, but the rest of the park was very cleaned and well maintained.
Ranger
Two campgrounds within the park. Lower one is for horses. Upper is not. Sites in upper campground are a little small and close together but very well maintained. Hosts are very friendly. Bathrooms on include showers and we're extremely well maintained. Trails in the area give you a chance to stretch your legs. Convenient to the interstate, but that also means some highway noise if you are not in a hard sided camper.
ScoutThe address is WRONG. The location for is NOT. had to call to make reservations and the lady was unhelpful and rude. $15 for tent site. Then was told it was $25 and change to make a reservation online to save my spot and if anyone was there they would make us call back to reserve the site. This was abnormal for a state park and wish I had just camped somewhere from a local.
TravelerNiobrara State Park is fantastic. Very clean and put together. Everything is mowed well. Paved camper lots. Little park for kids. Horseshoes and sand volleyball. Bathrooms were cleaned everyday. My only complaint is that the lots are kind of close. Not a huge deal but would have been nice to have a little extra space. Overall, awesome place and we will be back!
GuideStaying here for a week before heading out west. Campground/facilities are nice and clean, host is very friendly and helpful!
GuidePlay equipment, horse trails, hiking trails, well maintained. Beautiful area.
GuideBe prepared to higher your campground expectations after this one! Definitely one of the cleanest most well kept campgrounds I’ve seen in a while. Shower rooms/bathrooms are immaculate, and smell so nice. Site was perfect for both an RV or a tent. They offer tent, back in, or pull through. We tent camped at an back on site across from both the play area and the shower rooms. Loved it! Hope to come back and hike the trails x kids said they looked beautiful.
GuideBeautiful, quiet, shaded, level sites with plenty of space between. Great trails and a short scenic road, plus some nice open spaces. Bath facilities are convenient, but seem old and marginally maintained. Great stargazing.
Guide
We stayed in a pull off the road spot. Next time I would choose a more secluded spot. There were bison and wild horses in the campground. It had nice views.
TravelerGood cell service with T-Mobile and ATT. Spacious park with lots of shade and some sites have waterfront views
GuideEverything was great. There are plenty of parks and paved roadways to wander around on. The spots are nice. The only thing that could be approved would be more established, kid friendly trails into the woods. Also, the lake is currently dried up but that's no one's fault!
TravelerLove this place very close to the major city of anything is needed. Nature and trails all around, lake for fishing and swimming, love to come out during the summer with the dogs!
ScoutWe stayed one night on our way home from pheasant hunting. Park was immaculately clean and very pretty. Restrooms were just as clean and nice. Nearly had the park to ourselves (end of October) and it was wonderful!
RangerThis park has many campgrounds located throughout the park, cabins, boat docks, beaches, showers and large campsites. Well groomed green space, playgrounds and bike trails.
GuideThis is one of the most beautiful campgrounds I've been to! Clean, amazing water views, fun disc golf course. Hoping to visit again next summer and check out the beach.
GuideLoved the location and very quiet. We had been told the pads weren't level, but ours was fine.
Large black walnut trees, beware in autumn of falling walnuts. Woke up several times to loud thuds as walnuts hit roof.
ScoutGreat place to camp!!! South Dakota has it right with making reservations! Nebraska is HORRIBLE!!! We quit the Nebraska State parks years ago! Putting in coins to take a shower?! Really?! South Dakota doesn’t do that!!! South Dakota State Parks ROCK!!!!!
GuideAll around beautiful place. We had a great camping experience this summer. The grounds were clean, beautiful scenery, pet friendly and fun hiking trails! There's a lot of really cool cabins to choose from and the tent camping areas are in great locations scattered around the park. Definitely for the 3 hour drive up there.
Guidelovely, large, spacious and shaded! absolutely love this campground and plan to make this our new favorite getaway. Very large, clear and clean lake with many beaches and shady spots for relaxing and playing with kids and dogs
LegendDates: April 15, 2021- October 17, 2021 October 17 2021– April 21, 2022
Fees:$16.00$18.00
The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center: Contains exhibits on the Missouri River and area history including the Lewis and Clark Expedition with stunning views of Lewis and Clark Lake along with the Missouri River. Powerhouse Tours are available on weekends. Please contact the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center at (402) 667-2546 for more information.• The Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium• Visit nearby Yankton, South Dakota- the historic capitol of the Dakota Territory.• Located both upstream and downstream of Lewis and Clark Lake, visit the Missouri National Recreational River.
•• Latitude• 42° 51' 31.0000" N • Longitude• 97° 28' 57.0000" W••
From U.S. Hwy 81 in Yankton, South Dakota, drive four miles west on South Dakota Highway 52, then south on Dam Toe Road and follow signs
.• Check-In Time is 4:00 P.M./ Check-Out Time is 2:00 P.M.
All-Terrain Vehicles(ATVs/UTVs) and golf carts are not permitted.
Quiet hours are 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M.
Fireworks are prohibited.
All pets must be on a leash of 6 feet in length or less. Pet waste must be picked up and properly disposed of promptly.
Firewood Alert: Don't Move Firewood!• Due to the spread of invasive insects(such as Emerald Ash Borer(EAB)) firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Help protect your forests by purchasing near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Firewood is not available for sale on-site, however several local businesses sell firewood a short distance away, see the campground host or attendant for more information.• Visit DontMoveFirewood.org for more information.
For questions or to contact park staff, please call: 402-667-2546 or email: gavinspoint.nwo@usace.army.mil. U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS GAVINS POINT PROJECT OFFICE P.O. BOX 710 YANKTON, SD 57078
Physical Address U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND 198 TOE RD YANKTON, SD 57078 Phone Number
For facility specific information, please call (402) 667-2546
Trails: There are at least 9 hiking trails on AllTrails that you will find around Lewis and Clark Recreation Area. Lewis and Clark has the best of both worlds since the lake borders South Dakota and Nebraska. That makes it easy to stay in your preferred state and location. In Yankton SD a great trail is the Chalk Bluffs Multi-Use Trail which is a 3.7 mile loop where you will find a lake and it is rated as moderate. Dogs are allowed but must be on leash. This trail is used for hiking, horses, mountain biking and birding and is accessible through out the year. There is a 3.8 mile lightly used round trip or one way out and back called Yankton South Shore Trail. Great for wildlife viewing and it is great for walking, hiking and just enjoying nature.
Fishing: Lewis & Clark offers many types of fish for all anglers out there, walleye, sauger, large and small mouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill. It depends on the season and temperature of the water as to what is biting.
Boating: Boating goes hand in hand with fishing and as with all things there are rules and regulations. You will find all types of boats, speedboats, pontoon, kayaks and personal watercraft. Make sure and wear your life jacket anytime you are on the water– Stay Safe and Alive. Make sure you are aware of the rules and regulations for boating around a dam area.
Another issue that has become an increasing problem is Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) which is spreading in the United States. There are different types of AIS and they are being spread by several methods. Boaters, of all types, help spread or help stop the spread by taking care of their watercraft. Before leaving a boat launch practice the CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY technique. Many states require an AIS permit before you place watercraft in the water.
Birding: Birding at Lewis & Clark is great for watching bald eagles. You can get a list from Niobrara State Park for birds found around the lake.
Hunting: In season, of course, begins the Tuesday after Labor Day. White tailed deer, mourning dove, waterfowl and wild turkey, cottontail rabbits and squirrel. Make sure you follow all the regulations in the recreation area.
Winter sports: Adds a completely new option for recreation. When ice is thick enough the lake is open for ice fishing, skating and snowmobiles. Cross country skiing is also very popular.
Lewis & Clark Lake is formed from the Missouri and Niabrara Rivers. The lake travels for about 35 miles at a maximum pool 90 miles of shoreline. Maximum depth is 45 feet. It was named after the Lewis& Clark Expedition that camped nearby.
LNT
Better than when you found it
Stay safe– Happy Travels
GuideNice camping for extended stay of 14 days. Different length back in sites with picnic table and fire ring with grill. Camp host available. Handicap pad sites. I would have given a five star except for the cost!
We think $30/day for just electric is expensive but we’d been boon docking so we sprung for the expense for 3 nights. Showers are extra😳. Laundry available.
Little town of Niobrara, just a few miles away has limited shopping but a nice little grocery store, hardware store, museum, and fuel.
Confluence of the Missouri and Niobrara Rivers.
Nebraska State Parks have walk up and reservable spaces. We usually risk it and easily found a walk up on a Monday afternoon after the weekend crowd left.
We stayed in the RV campground but took a bike ride around the rest of the park. We stopped at the park office and chatted with assistant superintendent Nate. Very nice guy with lots of good info.. He told us about a nice loop we could continue our bike ride and we went around the picnic and tent area. Some incredible exclusive sites and great views of the Niobrara.
ScoutQuiet spot weekdays. Site is beautiful. Many campsites are almost full sun—so have your shade structure ready. Evenings very peaceful
GuideThis campground is so nice. Electric hookup only, but full and dump station is close and nicely laid out. Campsites have lots of trees. It was quiet and peaceful. There are trails to hike and sites to see nearby. There is not a place to get diesel nearby, so plan for that if you need too. Sportsmen’s Bar & Two Rivers Hotel is a nice place to eat that’s nearby. No fuss, good food. There are however, a tremendous amount of ticks. If you bring pets, you may think about them not joining you on hikes.
GuideWe had a wonderfull Campside with view of the Lake .The campground is very big and Quiet. Very clean Bathhouses .Lot of Beaches and Playgrounds for Kids. We come back .
Horse camping in South Dakota offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and scenic beauty, perfect for equestrian enthusiasts looking to explore the great outdoors with their horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Yankton, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Yankton, SD is Yankton — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area with a 4.9-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Yankton, SD?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Yankton, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
